A’s say goodbye to Phoenix Muni, Vuc throws out first pitch

It’s sort of a sad day here – the final spring-training game at Phoenix Municipal Stadium for at least 20 years. When the A’s move to Mesa next spring, Arizona State is moving in, and that’s the length of their lease.

So the A’s recognized longtime employees Mike Thalblum, the visiting clubhouse manager; travel secretary Mickey Morabito; and A’s equipment manager Steve Vucinich before the game – they’ve all been here the duration of Oakland’s time at Phoenix Muni, since 1982.

“Vuc” threw out the first pitch, and Thalblum caught it:

An extra treat for the fans here for Phoenix Muni’s big-league swan song: Given that the Angels’ lineup is almost entirely minor-leaguers, the A’s moved Sonny Gray back over here from minor-league camp to start this game. John Jaso replaced Stephen Vogt to catch, since Jaso will be catching Gray on Monday – Opening Night.

A reminder: Big Orange, the stadium cat, might need a new home, though it is my hope ASU keeps the current staff on along with Big O, who is superb at keeping rodents away.

It was nice to see Russ and Sandra Harden, parents of former A’s right-hander Rich Harden, in the crowd today – they just love Phoenix Muni and wanted to be at the last game. Rich Harden is throwing again, Russ Harden told me, and he might have a showcase for teams this summer.